Song Ji Eun of “Secret” “Being a solo, it broke my stereotypic perception” (Interview)

Song Ji Eun, a main vocal of a group “Secret”, began her new career as a solo. 

A title song of her second solo album, “Are you crazy?” has been released for 2 weeks since it was firstly released on 3rd. It spent 2 weeks atop many online music sites and showed off high level of popularity. 

It is remarkable achievement since it was made when many big idol groups were returning such as “Big Bang”.

It, however, seemed that Song Ji Eun herself was perplexed by the popularity. “Releasing an album, I thought it would be very successful if my album ranked around 50th . My management company even did not give any pressure on ranking of music source. Honestly speaking, the goal of this album was enhancement of perception and recognition of myself, Song Ji Eun. I am really happy because a result is way too better than we expected.” She said.   

She really did her best to release her stress of being a solo while she was preparing the album. It was different situation compared to the times of “Secret” with four members.

“I realized the importance of facial expression after I started TV show as a solo. I spent more energy and passion to do a live show before. It also made me stressful that I had no experiences of practicing solo music songs. There were a lot of issues that I had never experienced when I was in a team.”

So, she continuously tried to do live show well, practice face expression, control breathing, and play the piano as well. 

“However, I still feel that I am not enough. Breathing is the worst thing that I have in mind. I cannot control my breathing well in a live concert. The biggest problem is the fact that I cannot express well due to the breathing problem.

The biggest change was the change of her hair color. Fans named her hair color after an ionic beverage, which was a big issue. 

“Honestly, I did not like my hair color. So, I gave up to be seen pretty.(smile) I thought in a way because I intended to show my another aspect through this album. Fans liked it to the my surprise, which makes me so happy.” (smile)

The theme of “Are you crazy?” is peculiar like her hair color. Presenting as ballad music, the lyrics of the song was filled with horrible themes. It candidly depicts an image of a man who is stalking a woman and the female victim’s feeling against it.  

“As I said, this song was not composed for the audience’s taste, but for my intention to let them see me differently. I really wanted to impress the audiences on myself. I also wanted to sing a song which idol groups would not want to sing.” 

She said that she learned many things through this album. Especially, it challenged her to have a joint stage with Bang Yong Kook. 

“The joint state with Yong Kook was enough to change my bias. I always thought that I had to sing beautifully. I had no choice but keep in tune with the partner this time. It gave me a refreshing jolt.” (smile)

Song Ji Eun revealed that she satisfied with the joint stage with Yong Kook. She had little problem with him because his performance has been improved gradually in the underground. 

She promised she would show all of hers not as a member of “Secret” but as a singer, Ji Eun Song at the end of interview.

“Because I tried to free myself from the color of “Secret”, I will do my best to introduce myself as a solo with the solo album. I inform you that the other members also try to show their own colors. So, please give us your continuous interest and support.” (smile)

Song Ji Eun is expected to appeal her charm temporally under the influence of “Secret”.